Get up and Sprint

The most common mistake here is that people get up and then sprint in 2 distinct movements. Instead, work on exploding up straight into the sprint.

To do this, push up off the ground so you propel yourself forward, as opposed to pushing straight up. At the same time, lunge one leg forward so it is in position to push straight off into the sprint. Use your strongest leg to make the lunge so you get as much explosive power into your sprint as possible. For most people, this will be your right leg.

How to Sprint Faster

If you have a bad running technique improving it can make a big difference in your sprint speed.

Sprinting is also an efficient form of exercise. It is far more effective to do short sprints than it is to run/jog long distance. Sprinting gives the same health benefits in a much shorter time. It also has other benefits that jogging or running do not offer.

Unlike jogging or running, when you sprint you will be creating explosive power. This is very important in parkour, which is a big part of the Survival Fitness Plan. Also, sprinting is more useful than jogging when it comes to escaping from danger. If you do need to run a long distance then by practicing parkour you will have the endurance to do so anyway. More-so than if you went jogging every day.

Proper Running Technique

Proper running technique will enable you to go faster and longer while using less energy.

When running (sprinting) keep your elbows bent at 90º and move your hand from your pocket to your chin.

Move your knees and elbows in unison. As you drive your elbows back, bring your knees up. Then as your hand goes to your chin, drive your leg back down.

Be sure to bring your hand from your pocket to your chin. The further back your elbows go the higher your knees will go.

Keep your chin level, eyes focused forward, core engaged, and shoulders relaxed. Also, have your torso upright as opposed to leaning forward. This posture keeps your mass vertical. It means your feet will strike the ground with more force and hence you will produce more speed.

Even when you get tired, always keep correct running form.

Breathing

While running you use up a lot of oxygen which you need to replace.

Breathe Through your Mouth

This allows more oxygen to enter your body. It also prevents you from clenching your teeth together which may cause headaches.

Note: When breathing normal, breathe through your nose. Your nose is the body’s air treatment system. It filters, humidifies, and warms the air before it reaches the rest of your body. Also, breathe through your nose if you have to run in a high pollution area.

Use Belly Breathing

Learn this first by lying on your back. As you exhale use your stomach muscles to help expel all the air out of your lungs. To inhale, relax your stomach muscles and let the air come in.

Once you are comfortable with belly breathing use it while sprinting.

Breathe in Step

Breathing in time to your steps is the easiest way to regulate the rhythm of your breath. This is useful to track and control certain things while you are running.

At a normal run rate (not sprinting) stay at a 2:2 ratio. This means to inhale over two steps and then exhale over two steps.

During harder runs, you may need to change the ratio to 1:2 or 2:1.

When you go up a hill maintain the same ratio of breath as you were using before the hill. This ensures you use the same amount of energy to get over the hill.

To fix a side-stitch while running slow your breathing to a deeper 3:3 rhythm.

Another way to fix a stitch is to expand and contract your diaphragm in the opposite direction as normal. When you breathe in, make your stomach contract. When you exhale, make your stomach expand.

Note: Breathing at a 1:1 ratio or faster may lead to hyperventilation. Also, if using a 3:3 ratio or slower you may not get enough oxygen into your body.

You can also use running drills to further improve your sprint speed.

Slalom Running (Weaving)

The act of weaving (running slalom) is itself an exercise used to improve agility. This means that there isn't much you can do to improve it other than to actually practice it.

Many beginners weave too wide around the cones. In particular when circling around the top one. Keeping your turning circle tight can help shave a second or two from your time.

Training in evasive running or doing other agility improvement activities to may also help.

How to Train in Evasive Running

Evasive Running is the ability to move away from an obstacle whilst running. Train to evade humans as they will be the hardest to outsmart. You want to go in whichever direction is hardest for your opponent to go.

When learning evasive running use a running speed a little slower than sprinting. You want to be quick but not so quick that you will get injured whilst performing the movement.

As you approach your opponent look him in the eye. It will make it harder for him to predict where you are going. You want him to think that you are charging straight at him.

If your opponent is square on with you but is not on the balls of his feet then it should be easy to pass him on either side. This is in the left picture.

If he has one side forward more, evade him by going to the other side of his body. It will most likely be his weaker side and will also be harder for him to maneuver in that direction. In the right picture, you would maneuver to her left since her right foot is forward.

If he angles away from you then go the opposite way. In the picture, she has stepped to her left with her right foot. Evade to her right, to the outside of her.

You can practice this with a friend. Have your friend face you square on as you run towards him. When you are close your friend steps toward you and you evade in the best direction.

You could also practice against a stationary object. Run towards it and evade on either side at the last moment.

So now you know how to do the Illinois Agility Test. You also have quite a few Illinois Agility Test tips to help you improve your speed times.

Once you get familiar with the basic test, concentrate on improving on each of the 3 elements. Pop up straight into the sprint, run with good form, and keep your turning circles tight. Above all, keep practicing.

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